Found just over 4km from the hustle and bustle of touristy Krakow, Zakrzówek is a secret local gem, long hailed as being an ideal destination for a quick getaway break.

For starters, there’s its deep blue lake, 50 hectares of extraordinarily refreshing water and multiple pools of varying depths for splashing, swimming and diving.

For the more adventurous, a scuba dive reveals a submerged world filled with intriguing remnants from its former life as a quarry.

These include machinery, vehicles, and a granite plaque commemorating Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II, who worked at the quarry during World War II.

Beyond the scuba diving, what truly distinguishes Zakrzówek from other Polish lakes is the thrill of plunging from its steep limestone cliffs into the deep waters below, despite this activity being prohibited due to safety concerns.

And unlike the gentle slopes of most lakes, Zakrzówek’s cliffs go from two to a towering 15 meters high.

Zakrzówek in retrospect

Starting its life as a limestone quarry in the early 20th century to serve Kraków's construction needs, after quarrying activities ceased in the 1990s, Zakrzówek was intentionally flooded in 1992 to form today’s picturesque artificial lake.

Now split into two basins, from the time it was flooded Zakrzówek had a swimming ban, a law honored more in the breach than the observance. However, the ban was lifted on June 1, 2023, in anticipation of the opening of its outdoor public swimming pools at the reservoir later that month.

The official inauguration ushered in a new era of regulated aquatic leisure, with qualified lifeguards keeping a beady eye on visitors and their safety.

And for good reason. Despite its beauty and tranquility, Zakrzówek sometimes gives in to a darker reality.

In June 2024, a man jumped off one of the cliffs and disappeared.

Despite hours of searching by emergency services, his body was never found. But that didn’t stop people from trying to take a dip.

The previous year two other people drowned. That didn’t turn people off either.

Still better than most

For despite the dangers, a more likely risk is getting a splinter from the wooden panels at the swimming pools.

Beyond the lake, the surrounding area offers lush, forested trails that wind through Kraków’s natural landscape.

The park surrounding the lake is crisscrossed with narrow, winding paths that lead through dense forests, making it ideal for walks or hikes. Just a short distance from the lake, about a 10-minute walk, lies Krakow’s largest cave — the Twardowski Cave.

So, difficult to pronounce? Yes! Easy to get to? Yes! Worth it? Absolutely! With its stunning cliffs, mysterious waters, and peaceful forest trails, Zakrzówek remains one of Kraków’s most unique destinations.